Start Planning Your Trip To Phoenix
Now that youve seen our list of all the tourist attractions and places to go in Phoenix, Arizona, hopefully, youve got some of the best vacation spots!
Whether youre going today, tonight, tomorrow, this week, this weekend, or next weekend, you can bet your bottom dollar that youll never run out of what to do in Phoenix.
All you have to do is plan your trip and pick the spots that are best for you!
Get Acquainted With The Downtown Arts Districts And Murals
Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue Our citys murals are way more than trendy selfie backdrops. Many of these murals paint a picture of current social issues and tell stories of the past. Its not hard to be inspired by the vivid colors and beautiful pictures local street artists tell through their larger-than-life artworks. And theres a lot to explore. Roosevelt Row is certainly the darling of Phoenixs arts districts, no doubt. But not too far away is The Grand Avenue neighborhood, one of the citys oldest commercial districts. This quirky hood provides a unique art-centered experience of its own. Positioned on the western edge of Downtown Phoenix, this funky neighborhood is packed with galleries, artist studios, and eye-popping vintage architecture mixed with adaptive reuse projects and public art installations that includes murals and decorated planters at every turn. And its all best explored on foot or two wheels.
Dolly Steamboat At Canyon Lake
Book a twilight dinner cruise on the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake. As you ooh and ahh over the 28 miles of shoreline below red-rock cliffs, the captain shares legends and truths about the Superstition Mountains. About 14 miles from Apache Junction, the lake is more on the outskirts of the Valley. But as desert dwellers, it’s best to celebrate any nearby water respite we can.
DETAILS: dollysteamboat.com
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Atv Rentals In Sedona
When visiting Sedona with teens, consider renting a Polaris from Sedona ATV and Buggy. It was an experience like no other.
First, they fitted us with helmets and goggles. They sell bandanas which are definitely worth the money. We looked like outlaws but the bandanas protected our nose and mouth from the fine red dust that was kicked up by the wheels. As we climbed in our amazing four wheeler we noticed it was well equipped and prepared for every situation. There was a GPS phone, a fire extinguisher, and a cooler filled with water bottles.
When we took off the engine roared. The whole Polaris was shaking. We drove on a paved road for a short while until we reached the trail. The map they gave us had turn by turn directions that helped us navigate through the rough terrain without getting lost. It didnt take long to realized that the dust gets everywhere. Be sure to wear old clothes and invest in the bandana.
Orpheum Theater In Phoenix
See a show at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Built in 1929 as a vaudeville house, the Orpheum was restored in 1997. Go early and check out the lobby’s Spanish Baroque Revival decor that mirrors a medieval nobleman’s art gallery. Inside, gaze upward at the hand-painted ceiling, which depicts a bright sunset turning into a starry night sky.
DETAILS: orpheum-theater.com
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Mrs White’s Golden Rule Cafe In Phoenix
So maybe Arizona isn’t what you think of when you think “southern.” But that doesn’t mean you should deny yourself one of the Valley’s tastiest offerings at Phoenix’s Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe. Get the classic fried chicken, smothered in gravy and served with sides of greens, red beans, black-eyed peas or sweet potatoes and cornbread.
DETAILS:Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe celebrates 50 years
Japanese Friendship Garden Of Phoenix
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
For those asking what to see while visiting Arizona, you might want to consider this tea garden.
This 3.5-acre large tea garden is a Japanese-themed sea of tranquility in the otherwise busy city of Phoenix.
As the namesake implies, the Japanese Friendship Garden was established in 1987 to connect Phoenix with Himeji, its sister city.
Visitors to this calm oasis will find it filled with lush plants and koi fish decorating its handcrafted landscape all designed by the Himeji architects.
If youre looking for a genuine Japanese tea ceremony, this is also the place to go!
In addition to tea ceremonies, you can also check out the various tai chi and flower arrangement classes arranged by the garden, alongside craft workshops and summer jazz nights.
There are also plenty of other events that feature various Japanese dancers, artists, and food, giving visitors a chance to experience Japanese culture!
Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States
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A Luxurious Evening At The Phoenician Spa
If you want to experience a peaceful and relaxing night, then be reborn and try the Phoenician Spa. One of the fun things to do in Phoenix at night.
The Phoenician Spa rises in celebration of the individual spirit, nurturing and contemporary in its approach to iconic service, relaxation and overall well-being. At its essence is a collection of exclusive offerings, transformative in nature effecting peace, purity and strength well beyond the spa experience.
For appointments and reservations, you may call 480-423-2452 or book online at thephoenician.com.
Ostrich Festival In Chandler
Gawk at the large birds at the Chandler Ostrich Festival in March. The city’s namesake, Dr. A.J. Chandler, is said to have had a farm of ostriches, whose plumes were used in women’s hats in the 1900s. Now, the festival has music, food, rides and a score of events. But the main attraction is the ostrich races in which handlers race the birds , which weigh more than 200 pounds, on their backs and chariot-style.
DETAILS: ostrichfestival.com
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Pizzeria Bianco In Phoenix
Lunch on the best pizza in the U.S. so say plenty of experts at downtown Phoenix’s Pizzeria Bianco. Lunch during an Arizona summer may mean you get in for under the usual three-hour wait. Order either the Rosa or the Marinara, which happen to be owner Chris Bianco’s favorites.
DETAILS:pizzeriabianco.com
Wrigley Mansion In Phoenix
Tour the Wrigley Mansion. William Wrigley Jr., known for his chewing gum and the Chicago Cubs, bought the Arizona Biltmore hotel in the ’20s and had the nearby mansion built as a 50th-anniversary gift for his wife. Built in 1932, the grand home that sits atop a knoll in Phoenix is as historic as the Valley gets, with a salute to Mediterranean, California Mission and Spanish architecture.
DETAILS: wrigleymansion.com
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Things To Do In Jerome Az
Jerome was a booming copper mining town in the late 1800s that has since become one of the largest ghost towns in America. The town is located a quick 45 minute drive from Sedona. The town is located on top of the 5,200 foot tall Cleopatra Hill, which gives you a stunning view of all the mountains and valleys in the distance.
The Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum is a quaint place to learn all about Jeromes interesting history. It gives you a detailed backstory of Jeromes rise and fall for only two dollars. This Wickedest Town in the West has quite a history and was once the fourth largest city in Arizona Territory. The museum shows you how that all changed.
When youre hungry, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. There are burgers, Mexican food, and cafés! The tiny, but enchanting stores sell everything from kettle corn to copper goods.
Even though we were not able to do it, it is highly recommend that you take the Haunted Ghost Tours. The guides give you a Ghost Tracker so you can pick up any paranormal activity. You also tour the sites of unsolved murders and the haunted hospital. Make sure to stop by Jerome when you are traveling between Prescott and Flagstaff!
The Musical Instrument Museum
Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock
One of the most fun things to do in Phoenix is to visit the MIM, known also as the Musical Instrument Museum.
Its not just a spot individual to Phoenix, Arizona its a one-and-only attraction!
This is the only musical instrument museum on the planet, and it displayed over 15,000 instruments, exhibits, and artifacts.
Visitors to this special museum in Phoenix will get to enjoy lots of activities.
They can observe each instrument, which is showcased in modern, high-tech display cases complete with video and audio features.
This means you can genuinely hear how the instruments originally sounded!
Some of the collected instruments include great famous ones, such as instruments of John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, and more.
For a more historical twist, you can also view music instruments of folk, ethnic, or tribal variety and listen to their music in their original, authentic contexts!
The most notable instruments to remember to check out are the Steinwig piano, which is the first Steinway instrument ever assembled, the incredible 11-foot octobass that plays tones so low humans cant detect it, and virtually everything in the Experience Gallery, where you get to play instruments yourself!
Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States
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Day : Phoenix Zoo And Horseback Rides
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Go wild for more than 1,400 local and exotic animals at the Phoenix Zoo, including up-close encounters with giraffes, stingrays and camels. Dont forget a swimsuitkids can splash around in the zoos two water playgrounds.
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Give your legs a rest while you soak in Sonoran Desert scenery during a guided horseback ride from companies such as Ponderosa Stables and Corral West Horse Adventures.
Phoenix Zoo
South Mountain Park And Preserve
antsdrone / Shutterstock
Looking for some fun sightseeing options in Phoenix, Arizona?
The South Mountain Park and Preserve is a great urban park to do the trick, and its officially considered a Phoenix Point of Pride while being among Americas largest parks of its kind.
South Mountain Park and Preserve first began being plotted back in the 1920s, and it now has more than 16,000 acres to its name, consisting of 60 trails and plenty of stunning desert panoramas to take in.
There are a few options for things to check out in the preserve.
You can bike, ride a horse, or hike through the trails, head out on one of Ponderosa Stables Wild West horseback tours, check out some petroglyphs, keep an eye out for chuckwallas, gaze at the elephant trees, or even head to the South Mountain Environmental Education Center.
And yes, there is a lot more to do besides that, as well!
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States
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Dave And Busters Or Modern Round
While its not necessarily a break from technology, Modern Round and Dave and Busters offer arcade and virtual style video gaming that is interactive for teens and parents! In fact, my husband and I had a great date night earlier this year at Modern Round. From first person shooters to duck hunt, you can find a game to appeal to everyone. They have private booths and are a full service restaurant as well so its a great place to enjoy dinner and a night of entertainment!
Dave and Busters offers a bit more variety with a full arcade, pool tables, bowling, and VR gaming in addition to their full restaurant. They also have a variety of party packages for birthdays and graduations that are a big step up from Chuck E Cheese and guaranteed to be cool enough for your teen.
Awesome Things To Do In Northern Arizona With Teens
Northern Arizona is the perfect destination for families who love adventure and exploring the outdoors. Our teen contributors Kiera and Landon spent a week on an Arizona spring break trip and found there was plenty to see and do. Here are their suggestions for fun things to do in Northern Arizona with teens.
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Take A Leisurely Stroll In The Desert Botanical Garden
PhoenixSpanning 140-acres, this urban garden space is basically a living museum where art and nature collide. Home to thousands of species of trees, flowers, and cactus, including 485 rare and endangered species, the Desert Botanical Garden, one of only 24 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is undeniably a plant-lovers dream. DBG also hosts fun, limited-capacity events including dog-friendly days, large-scale art exhibitions, and seasonal experiences like Las Noches de las Luminarias, an annual affair that lights up the garden with thousands of luminarias and twinkly lights. See whats happening in the garden right now, here. Advanced ticket reservations and masks are required to visit DBG.
Things For Teens To Do In Scottsdale
Its not breaking news teens spend a lot of time on their devices. In fact, some surveys estimate the number at a whopping nine hours a day. So, how do you get them to unplug and engage on vacation? Weve got you covered! Here are six Scottsdale activities that are sure to up the engagement quotient for even the most hardcore teen techies .
Climbing at AZ on the Rocks
Teens can reach new heights at AZ on the Rocks, the states largest indoor climbing facility. This unique gym provides a safe, fun and challenging rock-climbing environment with 14,000+ square feet of textured climbing terrain, including 50 top ropes, a lead-only cave and more than 2,800 square feet of bouldering . Best of all, no experience is required zero. The staff at AZR will show you everything you need to know to get started!
Underwater Trekking at OdySea Aquarium
Put on a wetsuit and helmet and get ready to dive in no experience required! OdySeas certified SeaTREK divers will take you deep into one of the aquariums largest tanks where youll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful and curious sea creatures like stingrays and zebra sharks. Then, just wait until your guide releases krill into the water, creating a feeding frenzy of fish right before your eyes! OdySea Aquarium also offers touch pools, a variety of sea life exhibits, and restrooms with floor-to-ceiling acrylic walls so you can watch the sharks swimming just inches away.
OLD TOWN ADVENTURE WITH PUZZLE RIDES
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Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to art, architecture and design.
Current highlights include works by Yves Klein, Kara Walker, Deb Sokolow and Song Dong.
Discover contemporary works such as Knight Rise by James Turrel, whose deceptively simple works explore the complexity of light.
The Museum is open until 8pm Thursday Saturday.
+ Things To Do In Phoenix For Spring Break With Teens
Spring Break. This week varies anytime between February and April. For some schools, its even 2 weeks long.
Whether you live in Phoenix or coming to visit, we have some great ideas for you. Spring is the perfect time to visit Arizona. If the snow is still lingering where you live, spend some time soaking up the sun. The heat starts to arrive as early as mid-March, so be prepared and drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. For more tips on traveling in the heat, check out our 17 tips for staying cool when traveling in the heat.
2021 update: With the current pandemic, some events have been canceled or post-postponed. Other places and events may have capacity restrictions in addition to mask-wearing requirements.
- The Arizona Renaissance Festival has been canceled for 2021.
- The WM Open is being held but admission numbers are limited and pre-purchase of tickets is required.
- Many museums are requiring prepurchase of tickets online to control admission numbers
Make sure you check out our post on 40+ Things to do with Teenagers Outside in Phoenix as a way to find ways to have fun but stay safer.
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Arizona Science Center’s Bed Of Nails
Prove mind over matter at the Arizona Science Center‘s bed of nails in Phoenix. Visitors can lie down on a Plexiglas platform with tiny holes in it. When they press a button, 1,000 nails rise underneath them. It’s your chance to bed down with a celebrity Ellen DeGeneres tried the bed on her television show.
DETAILS: azscience.org
Visit The Honanki Heritage Site
We visited the Honanki ruins with our Polaris vehicles. The trails started out fairly easy then got steeper, bumpier, and more challenging as the trip went on. It took around an hour and a half to reach the Honanki ruins.
These brick houses were put together with water and mud and built into the side of an awe-inspiring red rock mountain. Many Native American tribes inhabited the houses such as the Sinagua tribe and the Hopi people. On the walls are pictographs of the weapons they used, pictures of them hunting animals, and even their handprints. The ruins are full of wildlife like javelinas, foxes, and bobcats along with the usual snakes, spiders and scorpions.
The trails have some fairly steep climbs. This is the best part because it feels like youre blazing your own trail. Its just you and nature. After a lot of exhilarating driving we got back on the main roads and returned to the rental place.
We gave them our helmets and goggles only to find we were covered in dust. It was in every nook and cranny. Overall, I would love to do it again because there are so many things to see and do and next time I would go for a full day ride. This is a perfect thing to do in Sedona with teens.
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